The news comes following a reported attack on a young boy and his dog by two emus in a Halls Gap on Friday, July 23.

The post garnered comments from other community members who have experienced being stalked by emus.

While some wildlife officers have said this is uncommon, it can be a startling situation if territorial or grouchy emu stalks or even attacks.

A Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning spokesperson said emus are often inquisitive.

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"They may have just been approaching to investigate. This behaviour can be misinterpreted as aggressive," the spokesperson said.

"Emus can be fairly intimidating just because of their size."

Emus are now in the breeding season, and a male will defend the area around his nest [males do all the brooding of eggs and care of young], the DELWP spokesperson advised.

"An emu may regard a dog as a threat particularly if there is a nest in the area," they said.

"Please give our wildlife some space and avoid feeding and approaching them. Free-ranging wildlife rarely, if ever, need to be fed by humans and animals under stress can behave erratically."

Members of the public can report wildlife issues by calling 136 186.

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